Assessing Health Literacy and Its Determinants among Undergraduate Students at King Faisal University, Saudi Arabia: A Cross-Sectional Study

Abstract

Background: health literacy (HL) is a significant predictor of an individual's ability to access, analyze, and interpret health information for informed decision-making. Objectives: this study aims to (i) investigate the association between health education, HL, and health behaviors, and (ii) measure HL levels among undergraduate students participating in healthcare and non-healthcare-related degree programs at King Faisal University in Al-Ahsa, Saudi Arabia. Material and methods: a cross-sectional study was conducted using the Health Literacy Questionnaire (HLQ), combining the Brief Health Literacy Screen (BHLS) and the Short Assessment of Health Literacy (SAHL). Data were obtained from 381 students using an online survey conducted across social media platforms during three months. Results: descriptive and inferential statistical analyses were performed using SPSS (version 26). Results revealed that 59.2% of students felt confident in completing medical forms, while 53% struggled to interpret written health information. Significant associations were detected between HL and demographic characteristics, including age, college type, academic level, and smoking status. Students in scientific colleges had higher HL levels and greater interest in physical activity compared to those in humanities programs. Sedentary behavior was frequent, with 48.5% of students sitting for 8–12 hours daily. Conclusions: the study underlines the need for focused interventions to improve HL, promote physical activity, and reduce sedentary behavior among university students. Recommendations include integrating HL education into curriculum, strengthening health communication efforts, and implementing smoking cessation initiatives.